Prince Edward was supposed to be at the NATO Reception at Buckingham Palace last Tuesday, Dec. 3. At the last minute, however, the Earl of Wessex and his wife, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, pulled out of the event.
According to Buckingham Palace, Prince Edward had to skip the reception as he was feeling "unwell." Unfortunately, there were no other details revealed about his absence, as well as the absence of his wife.
The youngest son of Queen Elizabeth was last seen in public to fulfill his royal duty on behalf of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Edward attended the International Award Foundation on Nov. 28, and he was also spotted with his daughter, Lady Louise, as they rode horses in Windsor over the weekend.
Even as Prince Edward missed the NATO event, his mother had Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Anne to welcome the Heads of States. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, were also not present since they are currently on a six-week holiday in the U.S.
On the other hand, Prince Andrew was also not at the NATO reception. Palace sources said he was not invited to likely avoid drawing any more attention in light of his controversy with his associations with the pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Sun reported that the royal could also be banned from attending the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham with the royal family. Apparently, there are fears that his presence could further mortify the public, especially since cameras from all over the world will be documenting this Christmas tradition.
Sources disclosed that discussions for Christmas Day at Sandringham are ongoing among royal courtiers. A number of them don't want Prince Andrew to be photographed with the Queen and the rest of the royals.
Reports also said that sex abuse campaigners might storm the crowd at Sandringham if they find out Prince Andrew will be there. Potentially, this could be embarrassing for the Queen and the royal family, not to mention a security nightmare.
Sources further revealed that this situation is upsetting Queen Elizabeth as she does not have the heart to tell Prince Andrew, reportedly her favorite child, not to go to church with them for Christmas. Prince Andrew is also the Queen's constant companion when she goes to her daily church run.
